Starlink Satellite Internet, Is Now Available in Colombia

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is now available in Colombia

In 2022 the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies gave the green light to Starlink to run. As indicated by MinTIC, the expectation is that with the entry of this enterprise, the eventual fortification of 5G in Colombia will be made possible. The Ministry’s acceptance of the usage of the spectrum for satellite services by this company can be beneficially used for radio signals, television, cellular phone networks and more.

What is Starlink?

For those of you who have never heard of Starlink, it is a satellite internet constellation developed and operated by SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk. The primary objective of the Starlink project is to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions around the world.
Starlink operates by deploying a large number of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in a highly coordinated constellation. These satellites use lasers to communicate with each other, forming a mesh network that provides broadband internet coverage to users on the ground.

How does it work?

To access the Starlink network, users need a special antenna and modem device installed at their location. The device communicates with the nearest satellite in the constellation, which then relays the user’s data to other satellites in the network until it reaches its intended destination on the ground or the Internet.
Starlink’s LEO architecture provides several advantages over traditional geostationary satellites or ground-based networks. The lower altitude of the satellites makes it possible for them to provide faster and more reliable internet speeds with lower latency. Additionally, the sheer number of satellites in the constellation provides greater coverage and redundancy, making the network more resilient to outages or failures.

How much does Starlink cost in Colombia?

As per the company, the high-speed broadband Internet for remote and rural areas (residential) will be charged at $210,000 (roughly 50 USD) per month. When ordering the service, there will be a single fee of $2,200,000 (Around 500 USD) for the equipment needed to link up, such as the Wi-Fi router, power source, antenna and the necessary cables for connection.
The average speeds are 130 Mbps, ranging from 50 – 200 Mbps depending on the location.They also present business, maritime and in-flight plans. To find out about the prices and coverage. Starlink is also available in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and some European countries. Currently, the organization has about 3,000 satellites in orbit and their aim is to reach 12,000 for a better connection.

Five benefits of using Starlink

There are several benefits to using Starlink over a traditional Internet service provider (ISP):

Availability: Starlink aims to provide broadband internet access to remote and underserved areas, where traditional ISPs may not have established infrastructure or may not offer service.

Speed and Latency: Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites provide faster speeds and lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites or ground-based networks. This makes Starlink particularly well-suited for applications that require real-time communication, such as gaming or video conferencing.

Reliability: The large number of satellites in the Starlink constellation and the mesh network they form provide greater coverage and redundancy, making the network more resilient to outages or failures.

Portable: Starlink’s user terminal is portable, making it possible for users to take it with them and stay connected, even when traveling or moving to a new location.

Cost: Starlink’s pricing is competitive with traditional ISPs, although it may be more expensive in some areas where it is the only available option. However, the cost may be offset by the benefits of improved connectivity and reduced dependence on traditional infrastructure.

In summary, Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions around the world. Starlink offers several benefits over traditional ISPs, including greater availability, faster speeds and lower latency, improved reliability, portability, and competitive pricing.

Why would you use it in Medellin?

Even though ISPs in Medellin have improved a lot in the last decade, the internet is not as reliable and stable as we’re used to in many other parts of the world. Starlink could be especially useful for someone living in Medellin, Colombia. As a large city located in a region with challenging terrain, traditional ISPs may not be able to provide consistent and reliable broadband internet access. With Starlink, residents of Medellin would have access to high-speed internet. This would allow them to stay connected, work remotely, and access educational and entertainment resources online.